Hirachara Tea Garden, established over 120 years ago at Kailashahar in Tripura, is reported to be in a dire situation. Moreover, workers at this historic tea estate have raised serious allegations against its current management, claiming wages have not been paid even though labourers work daily.
This tea garden, once a symbol of pride, now houses about 600 worker families, predominantly from the Uraon and Bauri communities, who are facing dire circumstances. The garden’s management saw a shift from Silkote Company to Sunshine Company, but both are purportedly controlled by the same individual, Mochabbir Ali.
The workers’ grievances are manifold: not only are they deprived of their wages, but they are also denied other legal benefits. When they demand their rightful pay, they allege they are met with abuse, harassment, and vulgar behavior from Mochabbir Ali.
Furthermore, there are accusations of him filing false police reports against the family members of the laborers, adding to their distress.
In their fight for justice, the workers recently lodged written complaints with both the Kailashahar Sub-Divisional Magistrate and the Unakoti District Magistrate.
They asserted Mochabbir Ali is not the legitimate owner and is operating the garden illegally. When challenged to prove his ownership, workers claim he resorted to violence and subsequently filed false charges against them.
The severity of the situation doesn’t stop at labor issues; there are also allegations against Mochabbir Ali to attempting to incite communal discord among the Uraon and Bauri communities. In response to these adversities, the workers are advocating for the formation of a cooperative society to take over the operations of the garden, aiming to secure their livelihoods and protect their families’ futures.
Adding to the complexity, it was announced a few years ago by the state government that the land of the Hirachara Tea Garden is now government property. This development leaves the future of the garden hanging in the balance, with all eyes now on the administration’s next move.
(Tripura, Northeast)
